Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai on Monday formally recommended Justice Surya Kant, the seniormost judge of the Supreme Court, for appointment as his successor. Justice Kant is expected to take oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on November 24, a day after Justice Gavai’s retirement, and will serve until February 9, 2027.
Recommendation Process Begins
The move officially sets in motion the process for appointing the next head of the Indian judiciary. Sources confirmed that CJI Gavai handed over a copy of his recommendation letter to Justice Kant on Monday morning, following the Union Law Ministry’s communication dated October 23, which requested him to name his successor in accordance with established convention.
Under the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) governing judicial appointments, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court found fit to hold the position is recommended for appointment as Chief Justice of India.
CJI Gavai Praises Successor
CJI Gavai described Justice Kant as “suited and competent in all aspects to take the helm,” adding that he “will prove to be an asset to the institution as its head.”
Reflecting on their similar journeys, Justice Gavai said, “Like me, Justice Kant also belongs to the class in society that has seen struggles at every stage in life, which makes me confident that he would be best suited to understand the pain and sufferings of those who need the judiciary to protect their rights.”
A Distinguished Judicial Career
Justice Surya Kant, who will be the first Chief Justice of India from Haryana, has had a notable career defined by both academic and administrative excellence.
He began as an advocate in the Punjab and Haryana High Court and became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana at 38. Elevated as a High Court judge in 2004, he continued his academic pursuits, earning a first-class master’s degree in law from Kurukshetra University in 2011.
Justice Kant was appointed Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in October 2018 and elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.
Known for Fairness and Efficiency
Justice Kant is widely regarded for his humility, balanced temperament, and administrative discipline. Within the judiciary, he is credited with improving efficiency and promoting consistency across high courts, particularly in overseeing the performance of the district judiciary.
Transition at the Top
Justice Gavai, who assumed office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India in May 2025, will demit office on November 23. Following his recommendation, the Union government is expected to issue a notification shortly, paving the way for Justice Surya Kant’s swearing-in on November 24.
Justice Kant’s elevation marks a new chapter in the leadership of the Supreme Court, reflecting a blend of legal scholarship, administrative acumen, and social sensitivity.
